Contact: Vincent M. Perez 202-225-4831

Congressman Reyes announces $1.6 million federal grant for new clean fuel Sun Metro buses

**Reyes speaks at a special ceremony with NASA Astronaut Dr. Danny Olivas at the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso

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Washington, Sep 9 - Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) today announced that the Department of Transportation will award the City of El Paso with a $1.6 million federal grant for four new Sun Metro buses.  The new buses will run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

"These funds will provide El Pasoans with modernized buses that are environmentally friendly, while helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Congressman Reyes said.  "This federal investment in our public transportation system is particularly helpful right now, as local governments are struggling to prevent cuts in essential services to balance their budgets."

CNG is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline.  Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to gasoline, diesel, and propane, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill.

Since 1998, Congressman Reyes has helped secure an additional $13.6 million in federal funding for Sun Metro buses.  In 2009, he secured $1.4 million for the El Paso Bus Rapid Transit System and a Liquification Plant for natural gas.  In 2010, he secured an additional $1 million for new Sun Metro buses.

The Department of Transportation is an independent government agency that seeks to serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.